UF THOMPSON EARTH SYSTEMS INSTITUTE
The Rise and Fall of the Miami Blue Butterfly
(October 2020) A story once thought to have written its last chapter, the rise and fall of the Miami blue butterfly highlights an extreme local example of global insect decline. As a whole, this worldwide bug loss is predicted to negatively impact pest management, waste removal and food supply for both humans and wildlife.
But luckily for the Miami blue, ongoing research efforts prove there’s still hope for this butterfly — still a spot for it in Florida’s myriad of changing landscapes.
Blog Posts
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With Continued Support, SEFS Makes a Difference in Marion and Levy Counties
Aug. 10, 2021
K-12 Scientist in Residence, Alan Ivory, will continue to connect scientists with classrooms.
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Florida’s Algae Problem: What Is It, And How Can It Affect You?
June 15, 2021
Floridians are already witnessing its harmful consequences in aquatic ecosystems as Florida creeps into its summer season.
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Action of the Week: Conserve Water at Home!
June 8, 2021
According to the EPA, while the U.S. population has doubled in the last 50 years, the demand for water has tripled.
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2021 Florida Legislative Session: Energy Bills
Feb. 22, 2021
Several proposed renewable energy bills look to decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.
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2021 Florida Legislative Session: Climate Change Bills
Feb. 19, 2021
Proposed legislation looks to catch up with the impacts of climate change while establishing a plan for the future.
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University of Miami Researchers Worry About Uncertainty of Endangered Species Act
Oct. 30, 2020
What would happen if the protection of imperiled species fell to individual states? Worried about the uncertainty of the Endangered Species Act, researchers look to answer this question.
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Florida’s Flooded Fate: What’s the Risk for Your Property?
Oct. 5, 2020
Florida is no stranger to floods thanks to heavy rainfall, hurricane-induced storm surge and rising seas. New studies and resources can help property owners be more aware of their personal flooding risks.
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How Will Recent Policy Changes Impact Florida’s Waterways?
July 22, 2020
A change to the federal Clean Water Act lifts protections for some wetlands and streams. Meanwhile, Florida legislators pass a law aimed at water quality improvement despite vocal opposition from environmental advocates.
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The 2020 Hurricane Season Isn’t Coming to Play: What You Should Know About Florida’s Outlook
June 19, 2020
NOAA researchers predict an “above-normal” hurricane season.
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In the Face of a Shuttered World, Some Labs and Conservation Efforts Persevere
May 12, 2020
Despite COVID-19 closures, some animal and plant research has remained operational throughout Florida. Land conservation plans continue to form around the state as well, although some parties are at odds.
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Warmer Temps and COVID-19: More Data Needed, Scientists Say
April 20, 2020
As summer rolls around, warmer weather could play a role in the fate of COVID-19, but scientists caution that more data is needed to better understand the unpredictable future.
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How COVID-19 is Impacting Florida’s Farmers, Parks and Budget
April 10, 2020
Florida farmers are fighting financial slumps, while state parks close to prevent spreading COVID-19. Meanwhile, the state budget has been approved — but could experience unpredictable changes in the hazy future.
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Students Cultivate Science Communication Skills Through TESI Internship
April 2, 2020
In its almost two years of existence, the Institute has hired five science communication interns who share the same passion to help Floridians better understand their natural environment.
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Living Shorelines and Crop Insurance: Florida Preps for Climate Change
March 20, 2020
State representatives and residents are gearing up to prepare for how climate change will impact the state’s coastlines, agriculture and important natural habitats.
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Lessons From Our State Climatologist
March 20, 2020
How will climate change play out in Florida Despite the environmental missteps of the past and any current damage still ensuing, political and personal choices are morphing.
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Social Distancing? 5 Binge-Worthy Nature Documentaries to Pass the Time
March 13, 2020
Public health concerns may have you spending quite a bit more time at home this week. Consider filling your time and satisfying your curiosity by watching one of these nature documentaries recommended by the UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute team.
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2020 Florida Legislative Session: Climate Change
Feb. 21, 2020
Florida lawmakers are trying to match climate change threats with possible plans and solutions in this year’s legislative session.
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2020 Florida Legislative Session: Wildlife and Biodiversity
Feb. 21, 2020
From the slimy to the scaly, animals have solidified spots in this year’s legislative session. Check out the proposed bills that represent a few of Florida’s most iconic critters – and what experts have to say about them.
Another Version of Distance Learning: How Remote Sensing Bolsters Florida's Environmental Research
(June 22, 2020) Remote sensing focuses on gathering data from a distance, whether that be inches or miles away. Instead of traveling to different locations and taking samples, researchers can now use optical machinery, like high-tech cameras, to glean information about Earth from afar.
This intersection between technology and the environment has a unique place in Florida’s research hub. Not only does it eliminate the need for invasive sampling, but it also cuts down on scientists’ labor and time by consolidating mounds of data across miles of land.
Educational Videos
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How Do Insects Help With Decomposition?
March 29, 2021
Insects are important parts of natural waste management. Depending on the species, some eat dead plant materials, dead animal matter or animal feces.
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Earth to Florida: Sinkholes
Dec. 11, 2020
In Florida, we frequently see headlines about sinkholes across the state. But what exactly are sinkholes? How do they occur?
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Action of the Month: Diversify Your Landscape
Aug. 31, 2020
You can help your local insects by planting native plants in your yard. TESI intern Brittney Miller gives you step-by-step instructions on how to make it happen.
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The Insect Effect: Insect Decline and the Future of Our Planet
Aug. 31, 2020
Both the number and diversity of insects are declining around the globe due to habitat loss, pollution and climate change. Without widespread action, many of these important creatures face extinction within the next few decades.
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Environmental Laws Through the Decades in the United States
July 22, 2020
The environment is all around us: from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the ecosystems that we’re a part of. But these natural resources weren’t always protected in the United States – until modern-day environmental policies entered the scene.
Not Just a Visitor: How Florida Coasts are Preparing for Climate Change
(March 2020) An official shared that city employees receive knee-high rain boots when starting their jobs.
No, not as a fashion statement, he said, but to trudge to their cars during multiple flooding events – around 25 each year – that drench the city.
This reality has rippled across the state in recent decades because of climate change. The threats compound as the force continues unchecked: Rising water levels scrape against the coastlines; temperatures fluctuate outside their norms; extreme weather rocks the earth.